Hit Tempe’s top spots for fresh-from-the-oven cookies.
We all have that one friend who keeps a list of must-try cookies in their notes app. Whether it’s for Instagram-worthy photos, chronic sweet tooth situations or to delight a dozen other folks with the sweetest gesture, they’re in their cookie era — and we’re here for it.
In Tempe, we love our cookies hot, melty, decadent, freshly baked, with a scoop of ice cream, late at night and sometimes delivered. So, you know we’re the authority on local bakeries and cookie shops. Check out the best places to find next-level cookies in Tempe.
Daily Jam
310 S. Mill Ave., #A101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-9288
One word for you: massive! These large-and-in-charge cookies are delicious and perfect for pairing with one of a hot latte from the espresso bar. They’re also an entire dessert selection. Whether you’re dining in with excellent counter service or taking your order to go, be sure to add one of these giant cookies.
Insomnia Cookies
116 E. University Drive, Suite104, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-795-3693
Insomnia is the perfect stop for a single cookie, half a dozen or enough to cater to an entire houseful. You can even have orders delivered hot and fresh to your door. The menu here includes ice-cold milk and ice cream to pair with these sweet treats. As you may have guessed from the name, this shop is open late (Sunday through Wednesday until 1 a.m.; Thursday through Saturday until 3 a.m.).
Tracy Dempsey Originals
1325 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-775-4693
Since 2009, pastry chef Tracy Dempsey has been serving up sweets across the Valley. With a spectacular selection of homemade goodies and an assortment of wines on hand, her Tempe-based bakery is a local favorite. The ever-evolving roster of treats includes a variety of cookies, brownies, tarts, small sharing cakes and other delicious snacks.
Chunk Cookies
1415 E. University Drive, #A104, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-590-2271
At Chunk, cookie awesomeness comes in singles, 4-packs or by the dozen. How many is too many? To quote Cady Heron, “the limit does not exist.” Most importantly, Chunk delivers. This is essential news for anyone staying at a Tempe hotel. Pro tip: Download the app for your first cookie free.
Dirty Dough
1537 W. Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 623-404-6471
These freshly baked cookies are not only large, but heavy! Grab them hot-and-ready or have them delivered to any Tempe zip code from 6 to midnight from Monday through Saturday. They also now offer shipping nationwide. We recommend a “Dirty Dozen,” which is two of each of the “fan favorites,” plus one of each of the monthly cookie flavors.
Crumbl Cookies at The Watermark
430 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite A112, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-726-4553
This unmistakable pink box is synonymous with decadence of Crumbl cookies! Whether you walk in or place an order for delivery, you can expect a weekly rotation of delicious new flavors weekly.
Other fresh-bakes goodness in Tempe
Copper State Bread
975 E. Elliot Road, Suite 103, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-255-6686
Bakeries in Tempe are on the rise! Leading the trend, Copper State Bread opened its first brick-and-mortar location in July. Located Sprout’s plaza (in the space formerly home to Squarz), this operation offers a variety of freshly baked goods, including sourdough bread, croissants, bagels and sandwiches. They also feature coffee and espresso beverages starring locally roasted beans from Alchemy Roasters.
Experiment Coffee and Pastry
1135 W. Geneva Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-653-1649
This hidden gem of a boutique coffee and pastry shop — by Brandy Jackson and Jonathan Robins — is known for exploring flavors for the discerning foodie seeking an elevated culinary experience. In addition to coffee, tea and espresso drinks, offerings include cinnamon rolls, sweet and savory croissants, muffins, breads and festive seasonal treats. You can also count on breakfast sandwiches daily and a lunch sandwich of the day Monday through Friday. But don’t skip the all-butter cookies.
The Best Cookie, combines oats, coconut, dark and semi sweet chips and pecans; the Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie, stars milk and dark chocolate chips with pecan halves; and the Maple Shortbread Cookie, is a classic shortbread topped with a maple icing for the win!
Proof Bread
699 S. Mill Ave., #117, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-270-8320
This Valley based sourdough baking operation added a Mill Avenue location to its repertoire in October. The new bakery and storefront, located in space that formerly housed Slickables, marks the brand’s fifth Greater Phoenix location. Born in a garage and raised at Arizona’s farmers markets, Proof Bread has become one of the Valley’s most beloved artisan bakeries. Owners Jon and Amanda are committed to their recipe for success: no shortcuts, no commercial yeast, just flour, water, salt, and time. Every loaf begins with heritage grains grown by local farmers, stone-milled in-house, and naturally leavened with Harriet, their 15-year-old sourdough starter, and is now available via fresh pastries, loaves and other baked goods.
ReddHouse Pastry at Culdesac Tempe
2016 E. Wildermuth Ave., #1086, Tempe, AZ 85281
After growing a fan base for her pastries and baked good at local markets, Angel Lincoln moved her operation into a brick-and-mortar shop at Culdesac Tempe in 2024. From blue corn cupcakes to culturally significant frosting designs, ReddHouse specializes in pastries with a Native American influence. Here you’ll find a pastry case filled with a rotating roster of fresh treats, including sourdough loaves, croissants, Macarons, seasonally inspired cookie designs, specialty takes on Dubai chocolate, vegan and gluten-free options, custom cakes and so much more. Enjoy!
